Mokwheel Basalt Review: A Solar-Powered Exploration Machine

Mokwheel Basalt Profile 2
Mokwheel Basalt Headlight
Mokwheel Basalt Hero 1
Mokwheel Basalt Motor
Mokwheel Basalt Display
Mokwheel Basalt Battery
Mokwheel Basalt Cassette
Mokwheel Basalt Rear Rack
Mokwheel Basalt Cockpit
Mokwheel Basalt Profile 2
Mokwheel Basalt Battery
Mokwheel Basalt Profile 2
Mokwheel Basalt Headlight
Mokwheel Basalt Hero 1
Mokwheel Basalt Motor
Mokwheel Basalt Display
Mokwheel Basalt Battery
Mokwheel Basalt Cassette
Mokwheel Basalt Rear Rack
Mokwheel Basalt Cockpit
Mokwheel Basalt Profile 2
Mokwheel Basalt Battery

Summary

  • The 750W motor with 85 Nm of torque delivers enough punch for steep climbs and off-road riding. With the 941Wh battery, I got some impressive real-world range of 85 miles on PAS 1, and another 32 miles on PAS 5 during my testing of the Basalt.
  • The Basalt has an adjustable stem, ergonomic grips, and a cushioned saddle for a comfy ride, whether you’re cruising city streets or hitting mild trails. The fat 4-inch tires and 110mm front suspension smooth out bumps and add confidence on varied terrain.
  • With optional accessories like a 1000W power inverter and foldable solar panels, the Basalt is ready for extended adventures away from the grid. What does that mean? You can head off-grid and stay a while! Well, at least if you have sunlight.
  • The integrated battery keeps things sleek, and the bike comes with free accessories like a rear rack and full fenders. However, a clutched derailleur and stronger brakes would improve its off-road readiness for a bike of this weight.

Video Review

Introduction

Make:

Mokwheel

Model:

Basalt

Price:

$1,598

Suggested Use:

Exploring, Camping, Adventure, Commuter

Electric Bike Class:

Class 3
Learn more about Ebike classes

Warranty:

2 Year Warranty

Availability:

Now

Model Year:

2023

Bicycle Details

Battery Weight:

11 lbs (4.98 kg)

Motor Weight:

80 lbs (36.28 kg)

Frame Material:

6061 Aluminum Alloy

Frame Sizes:

Geometry Measurements:

5’6 to 6’8

Frame Types:

Alloy - Step Over

Frame Colors:

Grey Blue Camo

Frame Fork Details:

Brand: Overlord Feature: Lockout Switch

Attachment Points:

1 on the Downtube

Gearing Details:

7

Shifter Details:

Shimano 7-Speed Trigger Shifters w/ Window

Cranks:

Alloy 170mm

Pedals:

Black - Alloy

Stem:

Adjustable Stem

Handlebar:

Aluminum Alloy 31.8mm, 720mm

Brake Details:

TEKTRO HD-E350 - 2 Piston Calipers and 180mm Rotors

Grips:

Mokwheel Leather Ergo Grips - Lock On

Saddle:

Unbranded Cushoined Leather Saddle

Seat Post:

Alloy w/Quick Release Adjustability

Seat Post Diameter:

30.9mm mm

Wheel Sizes:

26” in (66.04cm)

Tire Details:

26x4 Chaoyang Hipposkin w/ Reflective Stripe and Knobby Tread

Accessories:

Free Included:
  • Rear Rack
  • Fenders

Other:

Optional Accessories:
  • 1000W Power Inverter
  • Foldable Solar Panels
  • Bike Bag
  • Rearview Mirror’
  • Front Basket
  • Water Bottle Cage
  • BIke Lock
  • Phone Mount
  • Pet/Cargo Trailer

Electronic Details

Motor Type:

Rear Hub with Torque Sensor
Learn more about Ebike motors

Motor Nominal Output:

750 watts

Motor Torque:

85 Newton meters

Battery Voltage:

48 volts

Battery Amp Hours:

14.4 ah

Battery Watt Hours:

941 wh

Display Type:

LED Integrated

Readouts:

Speed, Battery Level, PAS Level, Timer, Odometer and Trip Meter

Drive Mode:

PAS 1 to 5

Top Speed:

28MPH mph (45 kph)


Written Review

The Mokwheel Basalt, which launched in late 2023, has been steadily proving itself since. It’s not the new kid on the block anymore, but it remains a solid choice thanks to its blend of capability and value.

With a 750W rear hub motor delivering 85 Nm of torque, and an estimated range of 60-80 miles, the Basalt is a fat tire all-terrain e-bike built to handle everything from daily commutes to rougher trails. And it even has some off-grid tricks up its sleeve, with optional accessories like a 1000W power inverter and foldable solar panels, making it a great option for those who want to explore beyond the beaten path.

My Experience Riding The Mokwheel Basalt E-Bike

Mokwheel Basalt Review

When the Mokwheel Basalt arrived in the glossy blue steel color, it presented itself with a clean and tough look typical of a fat tire e-bike. The black accents on the battery cover, fork, and contact points blend well with the overall design, though nothing out of the ordinary in terms of standout aesthetics. If blue isn’t your style, the bike also comes in grey and jungle camo for other options.

On the geometry side, the bike provides an upright riding position with a slight forward lean, which shifts a small amount of weight onto the grips. The lock-on grips with thick gel padding are a welcome feature, providing extra comfort on longer rides. I found the adjustable stem to be a nice touch, giving riders the ability to customize their handlebar angle, whether they prefer a more upright, relaxed position or something a little more aggressive for harder efforts.

Comfort-wise, the Basalt is well-suited for a variety of terrain. Between the padded grips, cushioned saddle with spring support, and the 4-inch wide knobby tires, the ride is noticeably smooth. The 110mm front suspension fork further adds to this, making it capable of handling anything from paved roads to mild off-road trails. While it’s not built for intense MTB trails, it comfortably handles mixed terrain.

In terms of noise, the bike performed well. There were no rattles from the fenders or rack, which is a common issue on some e-bikes. The only sound I noticed was the hum of the knobby tires on pavement, which is to be expected with fat tires and the motor working. It’s nothing overly loud, just a constant background noise typical of this setup.

The 750W motor, combined with 85Nm of torque, delivers plenty of power, especially with the torque sensor. While the motor can feel a bit punchy at first, the ability to adjust the motor sensitivity from 1 to 5 in the display settings helps dial that in. It ships at level 3, which feels balanced, but being able to tone it down or ramp it up is a nice feature, particularly if you’re still getting used to the power or have different riders using the bike. The torque sensor isn’t the most refined, but it does its job of matching power to effort better than a cadence sensor would.

The brakes are Tektro E350 hydraulic disc brakes with 2-piston calipers and 180mm rotors. They handle everyday riding just fine, but with an 80lb bike and an adult rider, I would’ve liked to see 4-piston calipers for a bit more stopping power. During emergency stop tests from 20-25 mph, the rear tire did lock up slightly, leading to a small fishtail, but overall, the braking felt controlled and sufficient. I’d just prefer a bit more bite, especially for a bike of this size.

The drivetrain is a Shimano 7-speed system with Tourney components, a 44t chainring, and a 14-28t cassette. It’s adequate for an e-bike, where motor assistance is the primary factor, but I did find myself ghost pedaling once I hit around 25 mph. For most riders, this setup will be just fine, but having a bit more range in the gearing would be helpful, especially if you need to pedal without motor assistance or on longer rides.”

Range

Estimated Range (from Mokwheel): 60-80 miles
Real World Range Test Results:

  • Pas 1: 85 miles
  • PAS 5: 32 miles

Mokwheel Basalt battery

Mokwheel advertises a range of 60-80 miles for the Basalt, and in my testing, the real-world results were better than expected. On PAS 1, I managed to get 85 miles out of the 81-pound bike with its 4-inch wide tires. That’s pretty impressive, especially considering that many bikes in this weight class and tire size tend to fall short of their range claims. For riders looking to get long rides in without having to constantly recharge, this is a definite plus.

On PAS 5, where the motor is working harder, I still managed 32 miles at an average speed of 21 mph, which is respectable for a bike this size. Of course, range will depend on factors like rider weight, terrain, and assist level, but the Basalt’s 941Wh battery holds up well in both long-distance cruising and more intense, high-speed riding. Whether you’re after efficiency on a longer trek or a more power-driven ride, the battery performance inspires confidence.

Power (Motor & Battery)

Mokwheel Basalt  motor

The Mokwheel Basalt rolls in as a Class 3 e-bike, powered by a 750W rear hub motor with 85 Nm of torque. It’s got plenty of kick to tackle steep climbs and off-road paths without ever feeling underpowered. Paired with a torque sensor, the pedal assist feels more natural, making it a smooth ride whether you’re cruising around town or taking on more challenging terrain.

On the battery front, the Basalt comes equipped with a 941Wh battery that’s both integrated and removable, which is a nice touch for easy charging and convenience. At 48V and 14.4 amp hours, it’s got more than enough juice to handle long rides, and it’s UL 2271 certified for added safety. With the combination of the high-capacity battery and the motor’s solid torque output, the Basalt is well-suited for extended rides and tougher routes without sacrificing power or range.

Components

Mokwheel Basalt  derailieur

The Mokwheel Basalt is built with components that can take on a variety of riding conditions, starting with its solid 6061 aluminum alloy step-over frame. It’s designed with a clean, integrated battery look and has a load capacity of up to 400 lbs, so it’s plenty durable. Up front, the bike features a 110mm Overlord coil suspension fork with a lockout switch, giving you the flexibility to handle anything from paved streets to rougher terrain.

The bike rolls on 26” black alloy wheels paired with Chaoyang Hipposkin 26×4 knobby tires, which offer solid traction for off-road trails. Plus, the reflective stripes on the tires help keep you visible during night rides or in low-light conditions, which is a nice practical touch.

On the drivetrain side, the Basalt keeps it simple with a Shimano Tourney 7-speed system and Shimano trigger shifters. The 44T alloy crankset and 14-28 cassette give you a practical gear range for most riding situations, focusing more on durability than high-end performance, but it’s plenty for the average rider.

Comfort-wise, the bike features an adjustable stem, 720mm alloy handlebars, and Mokwheel’s leather ergonomic grips that lock on for added security. The alloy seatpost has a quick-release adjuster, so you can easily find your preferred saddle height, and the cushioned leather saddle offers decent comfort for longer rides.

As for braking, the Basalt is equipped with Tektro HD-E350 hydraulic disc brakes with 2-piston calipers and 180mm rotors. They provide solid stopping power and good modulation, ensuring controlled stops even on steeper descents or when carrying heavier loads.

Screen / User Interface / App

Mokwheel Basalt  display

The Mokwheel Basalt comes with a color display that’s impressively easy to read, even in bright sunlight. The contrasting colors make all your key ride data clear, so you’re not struggling to check your stats while on the move. The main screen shows all the essentials—odometer, speed, battery level, ride time, headlight status, and current pedal-assist level—laid out in a clean and uncluttered way.

Navigating through the settings is simple and intuitive. For basic tweaks, like changing units of measurement or adjusting screen brightness, just long-press the up and down arrows on the control pad. It’s a user-friendly setup that allows you to quickly fine-tune the basics. For those who like to dive a bit deeper, pressing the up, down, and light button simultaneously gets you into the advanced performance settings.

This is where you can really customize your ride. You can switch between 3 or 5 pedal-assist levels, depending on how much control you want over speed variations. You also have options to adjust the wheel size and set the max speed, which tops out at 28 mph.

One of the more useful features is the ability to adjust the motor’s responsiveness. In the settings, you can dial in the sensitivity from 1 to 5, with 5 giving you the most punchy, immediate response. This flexibility lets you choose whether you want a more relaxed power delivery or a stronger torque kick right from the start.

Mokwheel Basalt Model Options

The Mokwheel Basalt comes in one frame size, designed to fit riders from 5’6” to 6’8”, which keeps things simple while still accommodating a wide range of body types. It’s available in three color options—Grey, Blue, and Camo—each offering a clean, understated look that pairs well with the bike’s rugged, all-terrain vibe.

Out of the box, the Basalt comes with some practical accessories that add value, especially if you’re planning to commute or carry cargo. It includes a rear rack and full fenders at no extra cost, which is a nice touch. For those who want to take things further, Mokwheel offers optional accessories like a 1000W power inverter and foldable solar panels, making it a great option for those longer, off-grid adventures. You can also pick up extras like a front basket, rearview mirror, water bottle cage, bike bag, or even a pet or cargo trailer if you’ve got more ambitious trips in mind.

The bike also features attachment points on the downtube for adding gear on extended rides. And with a 2-year factory warranty, Mokwheel gives you some extra peace of mind when it comes to durability. Whether you’re using it for daily commuting or exploring remote trails, the Basalt’s accessory options and off-grid charging capabilities make it a versatile and adventure-ready ride.

Is The Mokwheel Basalt Worth Buying?

The Mokwheel Basalt is a well-rounded, adventure-ready e-bike that balances practicality, power, and value. With its 750W motor delivering 85 Nm of torque, it has the muscle to handle steep climbs and off-road terrain while maintaining a smooth, comfortable ride thanks to its 110mm suspension and fat 26×4 tires. The 941Wh battery gives you plenty of range, and the real-world performance exceeded expectations, especially with the option to push even further using Mokwheel’s solar panels and power inverter for off-grid charging.

In terms of comfort and design, the bike’s adjustable stem, ergonomic grips, and cushioned saddle make it a pleasant ride on a variety of surfaces, from city streets to dirt paths. The included rear rack and fenders are a nice value add, and the range of optional accessories, from cargo trailers to baskets and mirrors, lets you customize it to fit your specific needs.

That said, there are areas where the Basalt could improve. The Shimano Tourney 7-speed drivetrain is adequate but limited, especially if you plan to pedal without assist. Also, while the Tektro hydraulic brakes are reliable, a set of 4-piston calipers would offer more stopping power, especially on a bike that weighs over 80 lbs.

Overall, if you’re looking for a versatile, capable e-bike that can handle commutes, off-road excursions, and even off-grid adventures, the Mokwheel Basalt delivers solid performance at a competitive price. It’s not perfect, but for the features and flexibility it offers, it’s a compelling option for anyone wanting to get out and explore.

Pros

  • A Powerful 750W motor with the ability to fine-tune motor sensitivity beyond just the 5 PAS levels.
  • Optional power inverter and solar panels make it great for off-grid adventures.
  • Adjustable stem and wide rider height range help dial-in a fit you prefer.
  • The overall ride is very comfortable, thanks to the suspension, 4 inch wide tires and comfy contact points.
  • Fat tires boost confidence adding capability and stability for varied terrain
  • The color display is clear and easy to navigate, even in bright conditions.

Cons

  • A clutched derailleur would reduce chain slap and prevent chain slip-offs, especially on a bike marketed for off-road use.
  • Although the braking is good, the bike would benefit from 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes, given its 80+ lb weight and fat tires.

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